Canada and the First World War

To join Canadians in honouring Canada’s veterans of “The Great War” and the compatriots and loved ones who supported them behind the front lines and on the home front, the Royal Canadian Mint is proud to honour the 100th anniversary of the declaration of the First World War.

To commemorate this historical event, the Royal Canadian Mint is developing an all-encompassing commemorative coin program which will span 2014 to 2018. It will include many stories and events that will touch Canadians on many levels.

In the coming years, the Mint will focus on stories showing how the First World War fundamentally changed Canadian society and forged a nation. Some topics will include:

The Canadian Home Front: While war raged in Europe, Canadians went to work to build the weaponry (aircraft, tanks, ships, trucks, artillery) needed to fight. Industry was built by Canadians on the home front in support of their compatriots abroad. And while the war seemed far away in Europe, soldiers and sailors were needed in Canada to patrol Canada’s coastal waters, and even the St. Lawrence River, for U-Boats. During this Canadians experienced trying times at home: the horrible Halifax Explosion of 1917 devastated a major city, Canadians had to live with rationing, War Bonds became an integral part of financing the war, and so many Canadian families were forced to grieve the tragic loss of a loved one.

Canada on the Battlefront: The battles and events of the First World War are etched in monuments around the world and in the minds of Canadians. Among them are the Battles of Ypres, Neuve Chappelle, the Somme, Beaumont-Hamel, Vimy Ridge, and Passchendaele. Other major events included the Last 100 Days and the signing of the Armistice with Germany.

A Building of the Nation: The Dominion of Canada came into its own during this time as Canadians fought together on the battlefield, supported by Canadians at home.

War Stories: Famous Canadian artists joined the war effort to paint and draw what they saw and to share with Canadians back home. These works of art continue to impress as they capture imagery and scenery in a manner that a photograph cannot.

Peace and Legacy: After war came peace, and to honour fallen soldiers and to help Canadians mourn, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and many other monuments across Canada and in other combatant countries, were created as lasting tributes to all those who fought for Canada.

Through skill, innovation and craftsmanship, the Mint will commemorate, remember and honour the Canadian war effort during the First World War. Purchase yours today.